Leading Democrats have cast doubt on President Biden’s stated intention to seek reelection in November and that he will oppose calls to withdraw from the presidential race.
Biden has said multiple times since his unfavorable performance in last month’s debate that he has no plans to drop out of the race, but leading Democrats in the House and Senate have since made comments suggesting his candidacy remains undecided.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suggested Biden hasn’t yet decided whether he will seek reelection, even though he has already said multiple times that he will continue to run.
“It’s up to the president whether he runs or not, and time is running out and we’re all urging the president to make a decision,” House Speaker Pelosi said Wednesday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “The president is loved and respected and the public wants him to make a decision.”
First Democratic senator says Biden can’t win reelection, warns of potential red wave in November
Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met with President Biden at the White House on June 13, 2022. (Win McNamee)
Asked about Biden already announcing his intention to run, Pelosi again suggested there was still a decision to be made.
“I want him to do whatever he decides to do. That’s the way it is. Whatever he decides to do, we’ll follow it,” Pelosi said.
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Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) echoed Pelosi’s comments.
“He’s going to continue to make his case to the American people and the decision is his. He’s going to have advisers and allies who will give him the guidance that he’s looking for, but ultimately I think it’s his decision. I think this kind of internal bickering will end at some point. The question is when,” Blumenthal told reporters on Thursday.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said President Biden needs to “seriously consider” his political future. (John Cherry/File)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also issued a statement saying Biden needs to “seriously consider” his political future, even though he has publicly stated he will seek reelection.
“At this critical moment for our country, President Biden must seriously consider how best to preserve his incredible legacy and preserve it for the future,” Murray said in a statement Monday.
Murray added that Biden also needs to prove he is a more “dynamic” candidate.
“I have deep gratitude and great respect for Joe, who has led a historic first term as president,” Murray wrote, “but we need to see a more powerful and energetic candidate on the campaign trail in the near future to convince voters that he is the right man for the office.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, also suggested Biden still has a decision to make.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) (Kevin Deitch/Filey)
“I think we’re having an important national conversation.” Hollen “I am confident that the president will make the best decision for the country,” he said.
Many other Democrats have not said whether the president should remain the nominee, but have suggested they should discuss remaining a candidate after Biden has already said he will not withdraw.
Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado said there was still debate about whether Biden would be the Democratic nominee and warned of a possible Republican surge in November.
“I think Donald Trump is going to win this election, probably in a landslide victory, and take the House and the Senate,” Bennet told CNN on Tuesday. “We should be having that discussion. I don’t think the White House has done anything since that disastrous debate to indicate that they have a plan to win this election.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) also encouraged discussion about Biden’s candidacy.
Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) (Pete Marovich/Files)
“With so much riding on the next election, now is the time to discuss the strongest path forward,” the Democrat wrote on X. “As these conversations continue, I believe it is incumbent on the President to more aggressively reach out to the American people and listen directly to a broader range of voices about how we can best prevent Trump’s lawlessness from returning to the White House.”
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“I am firmly committed to staying in this race, fighting to the end, and defeating Donald Trump,” Biden said in a letter Monday to members of Congress and those skeptical of his reelection.
Despite Biden’s attempts to ease concerns within his party, eight House Democrats have formally called on Biden to withdraw as the nominee.
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